The first race of the season for the Auto Club Late Models ended up being an exciting prelude to the 12th season of racing at Toyota Speedway. 26 cars competed opening night with Nick Jonides, defending Late Model Points Champion, Tim Huddleston, Sean Woodside, and Rod Johnson Jr. the King Taco Super Truck Points winner from 2009 and Mike Johnson.
Travis Irving Qualified 6th with 2nd through 10th separated by only .09 seconds. "This is insane. To have 10 cars in the 18.000 second bracket is just unreal. The race should prove to be an interesting one." Stated Travis during the autograph session as he signed pictures and chatted with the fans. He was right, as there were 4 cautions and some great racing for the 40 lap main event.
Irving went from 6th to 2nd in just 3 laps on the outside. In that time, the 65 of George Atkinson quickly separated himself from the pack showing he was going to be the guy to beat. "With George that quick, I just sat in second place and conserved the tires for the end of the race. He was the quickest car on the track so conservation seemed to be the smartest idea at the time." And right Travis was. As the first caution came out at lap 19, He was able to restart from the outside for the new double file restarts that have been implemented.
Travis took the lead and never gave it back. Even with all the pressure applied by RJ Johnson in the #15 car and the late race dash by the #44 of Chris Holloway, Irving was able to hold the lead for the rest of the race and take the win for the first race of the year. " I did not expect the car to run so well. But when you have people like Tony and Dave Jackson from Jackson Race Cars in your corner I guess it is something I should expect." The Jacksons have provided a lot of help to Irving in the off season and provided him with insights greatly needed to improve his game "Even though I forgot to thank them on the track, all of our team knows that without the guidance and help from Jackson Race Cars, this day wouldn’t have turned out the same."
A little side note, "A very close friend of mine, mother passed away last Thursday and my own grandmother on my mom’s side passed away on Friday. With these two signifigant loses in my life this, the win helps me move forward and to always appreciate what I have the people that I know. I send my regards to the family of my friend and will always keep her in my heart along with my grandmother. "
Travis also would like to thank all the people that have helped him day in and day out. David Coley (spotter and mechanic) Vince Covarrubbius (lead Mechanic) Ed and Claire Irving, California Highway Patrol / Designated Driver Program, Neal Trucking, PCH Motorpsorts, Stickers Ink, Dave Freitas Racing, Ricky Torres, Midvalleysports.com and last but not least Great Central Transport
Upcoming Speedway Oval Events:
September 11
Auto Club Night and Back to School Night
STUDENTS & TEACHERS Get In FREE!!
Skid Plate Racing
